The Liverpool Offside - Leicester City vs. Liverpool, 12.2.14Zeppeline, Trinken, & Pink Badeshortshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/51345/ltos-fav.png2014-12-03T00:05:01+00:00http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/rss/stream/70804902014-12-03T00:05:01+00:002014-12-03T00:05:01+00:00Leicester City 1, Liverpool 3: A Frustrating Win
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<figcaption>Shaun Botterill/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Liverpool struggled in large parts against a determined Leicester City side but continued to improve after a disastrous November to win a game that may not have been won a few weeks ago.</p> <blockquote>
<p><b><a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leicester City</a> 1: </b><i>Mignolet (O.G) 22',</i><br><b>Liverpool 3: </b><i>Lallana 26', Gerrard 54', </i><i>Henderson 83'</i></p>
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<p>Before the match, much discussion was centred around what <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> was going to do before the game. Captain <span>Steven Gerrard</span> was rested in the victory against Stoke, senior players in Lucas Leiva, Kolo Touré, and <span>Rickie Lambert</span> who all started <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> last two games, and virtually all of Liverpool's summer signings have been sidelined in times of need.</p>
<p><span>Steven Gerrard was restored to the line-up after being dropped/rested/disrespected/ignored in the victory against <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Stoke City</a> a few days ago. <span>Adam Lallana</span> and <span>Javier Manquillo</span> were also brought back for the trip to the Premier League's bottom side. <span>Joe Allen</span> and <span>Philippe Coutinho</span> dropped to the bench as Curiously, Alberto Moreno continues to start on the bench and Fabio Borini's matchday exile continued. </span>José Enrique didn't even feature in the squad, but Rodgers counted on the continued presence of Lucas, Touré, and Lambert to provide Liverpool with a needed away win.</p>
<p>In the opening quarter of the hour, Liverpool and Leicester traded counter attacks and while Liverpool may have enjoyed a far greater share of the ball early in the game,they looked to exploit opportunities on the flanks primarily through <span>Raheem Sterling</span> on the left. The youngster was heavily involved throughout and constantly found space in wide areas with an eagerness to take on anyone in one-on-ones. Adam Lallana was also a prominent figure in Liverpool's build-up play on the right and would cleverly come inside to help Liverpool with possession in the centre of the pitch. The two wide players in a 4231 formation used by Rodgers would prove to be key players in Liverpool's attack and eventual victory.</p>
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<p>Early on the formation seemed to be a good fit for the players on the field with Gerrard operating as an attacking midfielder behind Lambert with the two "technicians" in the wider positions. Lucas and Henderson operated in a double pivot with the vice-captain more advanced of the two. The passing was crisp, Liverpool looked decently organised, and the attacking movement looked better than it had been for many weeks. Still, Liverpool went behind to a promoted side that had already taken points off <a href="https://royalbluemersey.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Everton</a>, <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a>, and <a href="https://theshortfuse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Arsenal</a> at home earlier in the season.</p>
<p>Mignolet's mistake nearly gifted Leicester with a lead after a misplaced pass gifted Esteban Cambiasso with a wide open goal to hit from distance but was relieved that the ball rolled wide to the right of his goal. Maddeningly, the goalkeeper was under no serious pressure to make such an error. Liverpool replied with an attack down the left, but <span>Glen Johnson</span> was dispossessed quite easily a long way from his defensive position. The space on the Liverpool's left offered Riyad Mahrez a chance to pick out <span>Jamie Vardy</span> whose shot was saved by a scrambling Mignolet but the ball still needed to be cleared off the line by Skrtel, the ball came out to Leandro Ulloa who struck the post with a fierce shot at Mignolet's near post area, and the ball bounced off Mignolet's back into the back of the net. It was strange how Leicester seemed immediately more confident after Mignolet's distribution error.</p>
<p>Liverpool equalised soon after through the skilful Adam Lallana crisp left-footed half volley brought Liverpool level just a few minutes later. A speculative ball into the area towards Rickie Lambert from Lucas Leiva was rushed onto by Adam Lallana who showed anticipation, hunger, composure, and technique to send the ball past Kasper Schmeichel. Both sides traded middling counter-attacking opportunities for the rest of a scrappy first half. Sterling's runs late in the half could have brought Liverpool level but he veered to the left when one-on-one with a defender instead of going right where a small opening was cut off as players returned to outnumber the youngster.</p>
<p>Leicester City started the second half strongly but Liverpool took the lead through Steven Gerrard after he arrived in the box to take advantage of opposition captain <span>Wes Morgan's</span> desperate poked clearance after good work from Raheem Sterling. The Leicester City captain was sent off on 63 minutes, 9 minutes after Liverpool took the lead, after he brought down Rickie Lambert. It was a professional foul and Lee Mason finally made a sensible decision after a clear foul on a Liverpool player. A goal and a player up against a side propping up the rest of the league shouldn't bring panic but it did.</p>
<p>Nigel Pearson's side responded excellently and put pressure on Liverpool. Leandro Ulloa was dangerous and Liverpool lacked any sort of game intelligence or control of the game. The plan was clearly to profit on the counter attack with more spaces for Liverpool's players to exploit as Leicester pushed for a goal with fewer players on the field. The idea wasn't the problem but the execution. Liverpool dropped deeper, inviting Leicester to come forward without caution. While that meant that the home side's defensive line was higher for quicker attackers to break through, only Raheem Sterling had the pace to capitalise on such a strategy with Henderson stationed far deeper as Lucas' partner in midfield. Gerrard and Lambert didn't have the pace to break through, and when they did, they didn't have the pace or remain onside to take advantage of the situation. It did bring a red card and should have brought a penalty for the away side, so there was some merit in the strategy.</p>
<p>Liverpool's biggest problem in the game was the nervous handling of pressure from opponents when they increase the tempo or frequency of their attacks. Liverpool look insecure, disorganised, and unable to respond effectively to repel or neutralise attacks. This has been a problem for Liverpool throughout the season as players with pace, even average ones, make Martin Skrtel far more uncomfortable than he should be as a so-called top defender. His lack of composure in and out of possession doesn't help his colleagues. <span>Simon Mignolet</span> has a mistake in him and when the ball is tossed into Liverpool's box, the Belgian number two is not always sure when to stick or twist. Liverpool's fullbacks often open up counter attacking opportunities and have routinely struggled in defensive positioning even when performing well. Furthermore, the manager is often too slow to make in-game changes to respond to the flow of the game.</p>
<p>Leicester City shouldn't be overwhelming Liverpool in the circumstances presented after Wes Morgan was sent off but were beaten after <span>Jordan Henderson</span>, one the game's quieter players, finished confidently after Sterling's backheeled assist with seven minutes of normal time remaining. With another six minutes of added-on time, the home side showed courage and didn't stop trying to reduce the deficit. Liverpool could and should have scored a third before Henderson's goal as Lee Mason's decision-making served to keep Gerrard earning a chance to score his second from the penalty spot.</p>
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<p>Kolo Toure, Rickie Lambert, and Lucas Leiva are unlikely starters for Liverpool after two victories in a short space of time in the Premier League. They've started the last three games for Liverpool and have been part of an improvement in results. <span>Mamadou Sakho</span> and <span>Mario Balotelli</span> will probably return to the bench while <span>Daniel Sturridge</span> will surely return to the starting line-up. It seems that Liverpool are finally winning games with just a single striker in attack and could continue in that vein with Balotelli's return. Considering that Fabio Borini's absence from competitive football deprives Rodgers of a forward to rotate with Rickie Lambert, Balotelli's return will be welcomed by the manager.</p>
<p>There was no support on the counter as Lambert and Gerrard both do not have the speed to assist quick attacks. It's not a problem to have a slow front man or a slow number ten, but it is when both are deployed together it can be difficult to support quick players like Sterling. Lallana is not the quickest either and Henderson is deeper in midfield so Sterling was isolated in attack sometimes, even if his decision-making was erratic throughout the game. <span>Lucas Leiva's</span> introduction as a regular has been the key change in Liverpool's improvement and Gerrard remains a very good finisher. There are options for Liverpool further forward in attacking midfield positions when Gerrard should be rested, but what about support for Lucas? His involvement seems to be essential in each game now and it is something that Liverpool should look at in January or groom <span>Emre Can</span> for the role as potential partner and understudy.</p>
<p>Liverpool scored at least three goals for only the third time this season in all competitions and will entertain Leicester City to start next month. Until then, Liverpool have seven games where the improvements seen in recent games must continue along with addressing Liverpool's control of games. Liverpool needed to win, looked dangerous in attack at time, and remained in touch with the teams ahead of them in the race for the top four. Even with the frustrating elements, Liverpool would gladly take another victory against <a href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Sunderland</a> this weekend ahead of two crucial fixtures next week.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/3/7316533/leicester-city-1-liverpool-3-frustrating-victory-momentum-buildingCStars2014-12-02T22:15:01+00:002014-12-02T22:15:01+00:00Leicester 1, Liverpool 3: Rank the Performances
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<p>With a hard-fought victory over Leicester City in the books, we want to know how you would rank Liverpool's performers and who your Man of the Match is.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">It wasn't pretty, but <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool</a> took another step in the right direction thanks to a solid foundation and some timely finishing. Lucas, Toure, and Skrtel were solid at the back, and though it wasn't wall to wall excitement, Lallana, Sterling, Gerrard, and Henderson all had moments at the other end. If there were concerns, they had to do with an exhausted and ineffective Lambert at one end and a shaky Mignolet at the other.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Now let us know how you saw things. Clicking the thumbs up button is a vote to move the player up the list—or to help keep them on top. Hitting thumbs down is a vote to push that player closer to the bottom. It's half Man of the Match poll and half player rankings, and we want to use it to find out who you think played well after each Liverpool match and, at the other end, who you'd maybe like to see given the next game off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of the month we'll go back through the results of that month's Ranker polls to hold a Player of the Month vote. Then, at the end of the season, the monthly results will help to determine The Liverpool Offside's Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7322627/leicester-city-1-liverpool-3-motm-rank-the-performancesNoel Chomyn2014-12-02T21:39:31+00:002014-12-02T21:39:31+00:00Leicester City 1, Liverpool 3: First Thoughts
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<p>Liverpool won consecutive games in the league for only the second time this season at promoted Leicester City.</p> <p align="center"><img style="border: 5px solid white;" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/images/blog/star-divide.v5e9d7f1.jpg" alt="liverpool blog fc sbn"></p>
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<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/">Leicester City</a> 1: </b><i>Mignolet (O.G) 22',</i><br><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> 3:</b> <i>Lallana 26', Gerrard 54', Henderson 83'</i></p>
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<span>Steven Gerrard</span>, Adam Lallana, and <span>Javier Manquillo</span> were drafted in by <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> as Liverpool attempted to win consecutive games in the Premier League for only the second time this season. Enrique dropped out of the matchday squad completely while Allen and Coutinho dropped to the bench.<br><br> </li>
<li>Sterling had an early opportunity in the first twenty minutes after the ball was squared to him from the right and Simon Mignolet's poor distribution nearly gifted the home side with the opening goal. That came almost immediately after as a counter attack, Leandro Ulloa, a post, and Mignolet combined to give the home side the lead. Thankfully, <span>Adam Lallana's</span> crisp left-footed half volley brought Liverpool level just a few minutes later.<br><br> </li>
<li>Leicester City and Liverpool continued to trade counter attacks in the first half, mostly unsuccessfully. However, both sides headed into half-time with the belief that victory could be snared. The game was scrappy and Lee Mason could have done a little more to control the game effectively.<br><br> </li>
<li>Leicester started the second half in determined fashion and put Liverpool under pressure. Liverpool needed to get some support to <span>Raheem Sterling</span> and when there were options for the youngster in the box and Leicester City captain Wes Morgan poked Sterling's centre into the path of Steven Gerrard. Advantage Liverpool.<br><br> </li>
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<span>Wes Morgan's</span> misery continued as he was sent off after taking down <span>Rickie Lambert</span> in his own half when the English international was put through. Liverpool finally got some change out of Lee Mason. Leicester City responded strongly to the setback and put Liverpool under considerable pressure before <span>Jordan Henderson</span> put the away side two goals up from Sterling's backheel.<br><br> </li>
<li>Victory for Liverpool but warning signs are there with problems with controlling a game, handling pressure, and composure in defence. A win at home to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/">Sunderland</a> will give Liverpool three consecutive wins for the first time this season.</li>
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<p align="justify">We'll be back shortly to take an in-depth look at everything that happened in today's game with the full recap. Until then, let us know your take on the ups and downs of the match in the comments, and if you haven't already, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">join the community on the Liverpool Offside,</a> where we'll have full coverage and lively in-game discussion for every match this season.</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7316523/leicester-city-1-liverpool-3-match-recapCStars2014-12-02T17:45:02+00:002014-12-02T17:45:02+00:00Matchday: Leicester v. Liverpool
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<figcaption>Charlie Crowhurst/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Team sheets, television listings, and live coverage as Liverpool head to Leicester City in search of their second consecutive Premier League victory.</p> <p><b>Kickoff:</b> 7:45PM GMT/2:45PM EST</p>
<p><b>Ways to Watch:</b> BT Sport in the UK and NBC Sports Extra Time/NBC Sports Live Extra in the US</p>
<p><b>Preview: </b><a href="http://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/1/7313257/preview-leicester-city-liverpool-television-coverage-team-news" target="_blank">Leicester City v. Liverpool</a></p>
<p><b>Comment:</b> <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">Join the conversation on the Liverpool Offside</a></p>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Leicester City:</b></p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Schmeichel<br>De Laet, Morgan, Wasilewski, Konchesky<br>Schlupp, Cambiasso, James<br>Mahrez, Vardy, Ulloa</p>
<p>Bench: Hamer, Drinkwater, King, Albrighton, Moore, Knockaert, Wood</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><b>Liverpool:</b></p>
<div style="text-align: center;">Mignolet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Manquillo, Toure, Skrtel, Johnson</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Lucas, Henderson<br>Lallana, Gerrard, Sterling<br>Lambert</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br></div>
<p>Bench: Jones, Lovren, Moreno, Coutinho, Can, Allen, Markovic</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7317957/leicester-city-vs-liverpool-confirmed-lineups-ways-to-watch-live-coverage-Ed-2014-12-02T11:00:02+00:002014-12-02T11:00:02+00:00Balotelli and Sakho to Remain Sidelined
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<p>Although many were hoping for at least one if not both of Mario Balotelli and Mamadou Sakho to return to Brendan Rodgers' team sheet for the trip to Leicester, both players remain sidelined through injury.</p> <p>If <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> was hoping to get a fitness boost ahead of <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> match versus <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leicester City</a>, he was sorely disappointed by the reality of the situation for both <span>Mario Balotelli</span> and <span>Mamadou Sakho</span>. Neither the striker nor the defender are fit for playing time, leaving the manager with the same set of options he's faced since the international break.</p>
<p>"The squad will be pretty much the same," Rodgers confirmed in <a target="new" href="http://tools.grission.com/nextclicks/?s=liverpooloffside.sbnation.com">his pre-match press conference</a>. "Sakho trained yesterday with the team for the first time, but won't be match-ready yet. And Mario is still not fit."</p>
<p>With Kolo Touré experiencing somewhat of a renaissance alongside Rodgers regular Martin Skrtel, Sakho's absence from the squad is less concerning in the immediate. <span>Dejan Lovren</span> is still available for coverage even if it seems as though the Croatian has fallen out of favour with his manager recently, but it's still possible that Rodgers throws him into the mix after being rested for two games.</p>
<p>Balotelli's injury continues to be problematic, not least of all because the extent of the injury has remained relatively hushed since he left the Italian camp early during the last international break. Citing a non-descript groin injury, Balotelli was initially said to be fixed up and available for the match against Crystal palace over a week ago, but that proved not to be the case.</p>
<p>That the extent of his injury continues to be kept a secret with no discernible return date is somewhat concerning given Liverpool's larger striker issues. With Daniel Sturridge perpetually out, <span>Rickie Lambert</span> having played 90 minutes three times in the last week, and <span>Fabio Borini</span> completely MIA in spite of everything else, Balotelli's absence will certainly be felt, if only because Brendan Rodgers' striker options look particularly bleak today.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/liverpool-news-coverage/2014/12/2/7318335/balotelli-and-sakho-to-remain-sidelined-for-leicester-visit-liverpoolStitch Invader2014-12-02T04:00:01+00:002014-12-02T04:00:01+00:00Pre-Leicester Overnight Open Thread
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<figcaption>And now the Church of the Greyfriars is car park. | Dan Kitwood/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Five questions to pass the time as we wait for kickoff from King Power Stadium.</p> <p>1) Having missed out on two matches in a row, will <span>Dejan Lovren</span> get the nod? And if so, which of Martin Skrtel or Kolo Toure gives way?</p>
<p>2) Will Lucas have earned a start based on Saturday's performance, or will he make way for the minutes minimized <span>Steven Gerrard</span>?</p>
<p>3) <span>Adam Lallana</span>: will he ever see the pitch again? More specifically, will he see it in this match?</p>
<p>4) The bookies are listing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/">Liverpool</a> as overwhelming favourites to win; how close do you think the match will actually be?</p>
<p>5) How many substitutions will <span>Brendan Rodgers</span> use?</p>
<p>Bonus: In honour of a match played in King Power Stadium, we revisit the <a target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Bosworth_Field">Battle of Bosworth Field</a> where Henry Tudor (later Henry VII) defeated Richard III, who was subsequently buried at the Church of the Greyfriars in Leicester. The friary was eventually dissolved and the site demolished, and the location of Richard III's burial plot was lost until a 2012 excavation rediscovered his remains. Richard III is often a go-to option when playing "Historical 20 Questions" with my dad, so tonight we ask: who is your favourite historical figure?</p>
https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/2/7312341/pre-leicester-overnight-open-threadStitch Invader2014-12-01T16:30:01+00:002014-12-01T16:30:01+00:00Preview: Leicester v. Liverpool
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<figcaption>David Cannon/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Team news, ways to watch, and a full preview as Liverpool look to take another baby step in the right direction against Leicester City.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Hope springs eternal for the football fan, and as Liverpool head into their first match of December there is again hope. A very slight bit of hope, perhaps, but after probably the worst month for the club since the Roy Hodgson era, most fans will take what they can get—even if it's a narrow, nervous 1-0 victory over <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/stoke-city" class="sbn-auto-link">Stoke City</a> and now the chance to take another small step in the right direction against <a href="https://fosseposse.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Leicester City</a>.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">As far as chances to take another step in the right direction go, on paper there isn't a better opponent than the Foxes. The newly promoted side are the worst in the Premier League and already clear relegation favourites with just 10 points after 13 games. They've given up the second most goals in the league and don't score all that many themselves, and with just one point to show for their November, things have not been going well for Leicester City.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">However, their -8 goal differential, comfortably better than <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/soccer/epl/teams/burnley-fc" class="sbn-auto-link">Burnley</a>, QPR, and <a href="https://7500toholte.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Aston Villa</a>, speaks to a side that while deserving of being near the bottom is perhaps not quite as bad as their record. And their 13 goals scored is only two fewer than <a href="https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Liverpool's</a> tally so far in the league. They also beat <a href="https://thebusbybabe.sbnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Manchester United</a> 5-3 in September, and even if they're fated to return to the Championship, their fans will be looking for another scalp.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Throw in the lack of pressure that comes from having no real expectations for the season, and for Liverpool there's always the fear that any signs of hope engendered by the Stoke victory could be undone by a lucky bounce or two for Leicester. Leonardo Ulloa, their 28-year-old Argentine striker, has five goals so far this season and is the most likely to capitalise if things do go Leicester's way.</p>
<p><strong>For Liverpool: </strong></p>
<p> </p>
<div style="text-align: center;">Mignolet</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Manquillo Skrtel Toure Moreno</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Lucas Allen</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Lallana Gerrard Sterling</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Borini</div>
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<p style="text-align: justify;"><span>Steven Gerrard</span> starting on the bench on Saturday means he starts on Tuesday, but only two days between matches means a few who did play well are likely to be rotated. As for where Gerrard plays, over the past year, his worst games in the holding role have tended to come against the weakest opposition, where Liverpool have held possession and he has pushed ever higher up the pitch, following his instincts and leaving acres of space to be countered into.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">That likely means a starting role further forward, one that frees him of defensive responsibility and allows him to play off the striker. Behind him, it's possible Rodgers rotates one of Allen or Lucas depending on fitness, but if both have the legs for it, Rodgers will likely stick with the foundation that kept things solid against Stoke. Ahead of them, after a relatively anonymous showing against Stoke, <span>Jordan Henderson</span> could make way for Adam Lallana's creativity.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile, if Steven Gerrard is no longer able to play every minute of every match, the same can be said for <span>Rickie Lambert</span>, who looked exhausted late on against both Ludogorets and Stoke. With Mario Balotelli still a doubt, that could mean a return to action for Fabio Borini. At the back, after how often he's played of late, it seems likely that <span>Glen Johnson</span> will also be given the night off.</p>
<p style="text-align: justify;">Kickoff is set for 7:45PM GMT/2:45PM EST on Tuesday, with BT Sport providing coverage in the UK and NBC Sports Live Extra carrying the match in the US. Our coverage will continue with the overnight open thread tonight and carry into the matchday post early tomorrow, which will have team sheets an hour before kickoff. Hope you'll be around to join us, and if you haven't already, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href="http://www.sbnation.com/account/setup?community_id=373" target="_blank">sign up for an SBNation profile</a> and stick around.</p>
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https://liverpooloffside.sbnation.com/2014/12/1/7313257/preview-leicester-city-liverpool-television-coverage-team-newsNoel Chomyn